Thursday, February 25, 2010

Well I’m afraid I was not a very cheerful girl earlier. I fully expected that today would be a snow day; so I spent most of yesterday evening getting ready and laying in supplies. I also stayed up way too late doing a fun little project (because I thought I could stay home and sleep this morning).

And…surprise! There was snow, but it didn’t stick. Which meant no snow day. Which meant I had to get up at my regular (early) time and drag my sorry, sleep-deprived butt into work. Which also meant I was kind of a Little Miss Cranky Pants for most of the day. It was rough, I tell ya. I started to snap out of it in the afternoon (the chocolate muffin may have had something to do with it); but I didn’t get all the way back to my happy place until I got home. So I’ve decided to write about something that goes…smoothly. How about some smoothness from Perricone MD?

Blurb: Instantly fills lines and wrinkles for a flawless finish. This oil-free treatment instantly fills lines and wrinkles with Microspheres and corrects skin imperfections, while diminishing the appearance of enlarged pores. Ceramic Skin Smoother also provides long lasting anti-aging benefits and antioxidant protection with DMAE and Fullerenes.

Talk about things going as planned - this product does every single thing it claims! It’s an excellent, excellent primer that does an amazing job of smoothing out my complexion. Yet it seems to disappear almost immediately, leaving a perfect surface for foundation. I was also really wowed by how much better my pores looked. I’m a little self-conscious about my pores, but not when I’m using this primer! What also impressed me was how much longer my makeup lasted. I had this primer under a tinted moisturizer in a really overheated room, and I couldn’t believe how well it stayed put. And just to make it all that much better, Perricone added anti-aging and antioxidant ingredients into the mix. Smooth move, Dr. Perricone!

Last fall, Jo Malone presented Vanilla & Anise, the fragrance inspired by the floral landscape of Madagascar, capturing the fleeting moment that the rare vanilla orchid blossoms. The fragile cream and white flowers found on the vanilla vine are a precious discovery: only one or two appear in the morning and seemingly vanish by late afternoon. To enhance your fragrance ritual, in addition to Cologne, choose from the new Bath Oil, Body Crème and Home Candle. Your senses and your home will be infused with this comforting scent.

Vanilla & Anise blends notes of bergamot, neroli and star anise to create a touch of spice sparkling above transparent layers of delicate vanilla orchid and frangipani. The warmth of vetiver, white amber and the subtlest hint of clove complete this unexpected, modern story of vanilla.

Fragrance Combining™ Tip: To fragrance combine, spray one Jo Malone Cologne, let it dry, and then spray a different Cologne on top to create your unique signature scent. Or, try a Body Crème in one scent layered over a Bath Oil in another.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Why am I reviewing a sunscreen the day before another snowstorm? Well because snowfall is generally followed by outdoor activities. From fun things (like skiing and sledding), to slightly less fun things (like shoveling). And the bright sunshine is just a little bit brighter when it's reflected off of all those little crystals. Which means it's the perfect time to review a sunscreen. Especially if you're on the way to the store to stock up on bread and milk (and chocolate). Today it's a sunscreen from Blue Lizard.

I've tried a lot of sunscreens and was still really impressed with this one. It uses barrier sunscreens (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), and comes in a cool bottle that turns blue in UV light (how cool is that?).

I was told to apply a generous amount. At first I was a little worried at the white cast; but it absorbed quickly and the cast disappeared. And once it was absorbed, there was no odor or greasy feeling. In fact, it felt really comfortable. My neck is really sensitive (especially in the winter), and there was no irritation at all. I even tried it on my face and was pleased at how well it sank in. And it sat almost as well as a primer under my foundation.

If you want to stock up, you might want to visit the website and take advantage of their Winter Customer Appreciation Specials (1. All orders over $75 receive 10% off their order, free shipping and a free sample of Sulfo Lo Soap - enter Promo Code: 75 at check out. 2. All orders over $100: receive 15% off the order, free shipping and a free sample of Sulfo Lo Soap - enter Promo Code: 100 at check out). Blue Lizard can also be found in grocery stores, drugstores, and online at sites like drugstore.com, Amazon and CVS..

On February 18th, Curél launched a new interactive, online tool, the Skin Advisor that offers skin analysis and provides advice on common skincare issues.

Dr. Sapna Westley partnered with Curél to create this tool: “I partnered with Curél to create the Skin Advisor, an interactive tool on curel.com designed to help users identify and address skincare concerns like dryness, itching, allergies and eczema, to name a few. 10-20% of children have eczema, and many continue to suffer in adulthood. One of the most common complaints I see in my office is dry skin, itchiness and skin prone to rashes. People don’t know what regimen is right for their skin and many times parents are also confused what they should be using for their children’s skin.”

“I worked closely with Curel to develop a series of questions that recreate the experience of visiting the dermatologist’s office. When users answer the questions provided, the Skin Advisor generates a customized analysis of their skin concerns as well as lifestyle tips and Curel product recommendations to treat those concerns. The advisor is very detailed, asking questions about skin type and very specific questions about symptoms people experience, just like I ask my own patients. The analysis generated is also very detailed and gives very useful tips and recommendations for people to start treating their skin. There is also a helpful allergen guide that people can navigate if they suspect they may be allergic to something they are coming into contact with. It actually can help target a specific ingredient that they can look for on product labels.”

“Once consumers complete the Skin Advisor questionnaire, they can read more about the various skin issues covered at curel.com. If users still have additional questions, they can submit those questions online and I will answer them personally and provide additional insight.”

Winter is everywhere today. Over here we're battening down the hatches and waiting for another storm. Would this be a good time to contemplate a few beauty tips? Answer: yes it would. Read on…

Winter Skincare Tips from Makeup Artist Kris EvansJust in time for the Winter Olympics!

Makeup artist Kris Evans is onsite at the Olympic games, and shares a few secrets to keeping skin looking great in harsh winter weather in places like Vancouver, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Keep Skin Hydrated from WithinMaintaining hydration in the body helps to keep skin balanced and glowing.

“The cold can wreak havoc on the skin because of the dryness. There are a number of things one can do to help keep the skin moist and hydrated. I am a firm believer in working from the inside out. Drinking lots of water is a given but also taking the skin vitamins is a must. Those are Vitamins D, E and C as well as fish oil and B complex. We tend to consume more hot drinks when it is cold and usually with lots of caffeine. Caffeine depletes the moisture in the skin that is so important.”

Replenish MoistureSkin can become red and irritated when it’s dehydrated...an easy problem to solve with the Intraceuticals two-step hydration systems that supplies the skin with moisture then seals it in to protect skin from harsh climates.

“Wind and cold tend to chafe the skin, especially if you are outside a great deal, so it is really important to protect the skin. I really like IntraceuticalsRejuvenate skin care regime because it replenishes the moisture in the skin. The Hydration Gel is a great product to counteract skin dehydration that is so prevalent to cold weather. The Moisture Binding Cream really soothes and conditions the skin with its squalene and hyaluronic acid.”

Protect Skin from Further DamageUV rays are damaging to the skin even on cold, gray days. Spending a lot of time outside for sports or other winter fun can make you particularly susceptible to damaging rays.

“I cannot stress enough how important a good sunscreen is for your skin. Because it is cold we tend to forget that the ultra violet rays can be as strong in the winter as in the summer. Combine that with the wind and cold and your skin can take a real beating. I suggest a high SPF especially if you are skiing, as the snow acts as a reflector and intensifies the sun’s rays."

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

So now it seems like I'm all about the hairdo these days. I got a new cut; so I've been trying out straight and wavy styles on my naturally curly hair. It's pretty fun. It's like getting brand new hair.

When I tried doing a blowout on my own, though, I realized two things. One: I'm not very coordinated; and two: my ancient hair dryer needed to be replaced. Since I'm also trying out sticking to my budget; I decided to check out the dryer from Remington. I reviewed their flat iron recently, and was really impressed with the value and quality.

Blurb: The Professional line, a collaboration between Remington and celebrity stylist Richard Marin, was created so women could achieve celeb-sexy style without breaking the bank. AC motor for 3 times longer life and faster airflow. 1875 watts. Narrow airflow concentrator attachment for precision styling. Airflow diffuser attachment to maintain curl. Internal electronic ion generator continuously emits millions of ions for maximum therapeutic benefits. Removable intake filter for easy cleaning. 6 power settings. Cool shot button to set style in place. Lightweight and ergonomically designed for comfortable handling.

Awesome job, Remington! What a huge difference having the right dryer makes. I'm still getting the hang of the blowout thing (especially in the back); and this dryer made things a lot easier. For one thing, it has three heat settings in addition to the cold button. Love that – my ends dry much faster than the rest of my hair and don't need (or want) the high heat. I also found the dryer very lightweight and easy to handle (as well as relatively quiet). I'm thrilled that I'm getting this quality at an excellent price!

The Professional is available exclusively at Walmart, but you might want to take a look at the Remington website too (there's an outlet center)..

Crème de la Mer was conceived under extraordinary circumstances. Years ago, aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber set out to create a cream to help heal the appearance of the scars he had suffered as a result of severe burns from a lab accident. To this day, the miraculous powers of The Miracle Broth™ —Dr. Huber’s potent elixir known for its healing energies—remain at the heart of Crème de la Mer and are at the core of La Mer’s latest innovation in skin care: The Regenerating Serum.

The Next Wave: The Regenerating Serum

Current scientific studies suggest that lines and wrinkles are “micro-scars” to skin’s underlying support network. Their formation is thought to be triggered by chronic inflammation caused by a variety of internal and external stressors such as UV sunlight and free radicals. These inflammatory stressors can lead to the destruction of collagen, which in turn provokes premature skin aging.

Inspired by these findings, The Max Huber Research Labs have created The Regenerating Serum, La Mer’s new anti-aging powerhouse. Four years and hundreds of hours of lab work in the making, this ultra-luxe elixir is the result of the combined effort of physicists, marine botanists and biologists around the world. Not only does it contain a high concentration of La Mer’s proprietary Miracle Broth™, but it also includes the new Regenerating Ferment™, derived from marine plant stem cells.

Selected for its vigor and ability to withstand and resist stress, the stem cells of a marine plant Eryngium Maritimum are harvested and grown in a lab through sustainable processes. The cultivated cells and the liquid that contains them are then fermented, using sono-chemistry that helps to boost the activity of the ingredients to create The Regenerating Ferment™. It’s a process similar to that which Dr. Max Huber pioneered when he created its predecessor, the Miracle Broth™ in Crème de la Mer.

The Regenerating Ferment™ helps skin trigger its natural production of collagen, elastin and other “youth proteins,” harnessing the power of the skin’s ability to renew its appearance. In a day, skin looks rejuvenated. With continued use, the appearance of lines, wrinkles and pores is radically diminished for a seemingly ageless look. And this multi-action serum accomplishes all of these feats with a lightweight suspension formula that’s friendly to all skin types.

Powerful Anti-Aging Ingredients:

Miracle Broth™: The original fermented elixir, known for its healing energies, developed by Dr. Max Huber.

The Regenerating Ferment™: A new bio-ferment containing potent marine plant stem cells. The Regenerating Ferment™ assists in the skin’s renewal, helping support its natural structure, restore its integrity and protect it from external aggressors.

The Marine Peptide Ferment: An anti-age marine algae and peptide complex which helps firm the look of skin and boost its natural collagen production, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Cake Beauty is an indulgent bath, body and hair care line with multi-purpose product offerings that are infused with natural, raw ingredients, the cornerstone of Cake’s success. All Cake products are 100% paraben free formulas that are 90-95% naturally based.

organic camellia balm: when lips are properly prepped, color goes on softer and smoother. camellia balm is high in anti-oxidants and vitamins to soothe & promote healing. can also be used to prep the eye-area and on hands to heal cuticles.

omit concealer: omit can be used several ways when achieving this look. Using the JHLA concealer brush, cover blemishes, sun spots or under-eye darkness, then use as a "reverse" lip liner by drawing on the outside of your lips. This method keeps your lip color from bleeding in addition to enhancing the shape of your lips. claire looks like a light.

bronzer – sun: a very important step in red carpet makeup. sculpt & define your face by sweeping along your cheekbones, jawline and hairline. can even be used to lightly shape the nose.

eye shadow: claire's silver tinsel eyes can be achieved easily with these two simple steps. create a custom 2-pan palette with "lilies in the snow" cream shadow (a shimmering snow-white), and mica eyeshadow (platinum silver with shimmer). using the sponge-end of the JHLA eyeshadow brush OR your ring finger, blend lilies in the snow all over your eye area - from lash line to brow bone. Then, using the fluffy end of the JHLA eyeshadow brush, blend mica shadow all over your lid area including the inner corners of your eyes and lower lash line.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Last Friday I happened to mention that I love makeup and beauty products in general, because they allow me to play up the features I love and downplay the features I don't love so much. But that's only one of the many things that have lured me into beauty junkiedom.

One of the biggest reasons for my ongoing love affair with "stuff" is: Playing with all pretty colors. Every morning (and some evenings), I get to spend a few minutes playing with my pretty, colored toys. I'm guaranteed a little bit of girly fun at the start of each day.

Well, you can just imagine how many cartwheels (imaginary cartwheels) my "inner girl" turned when Urban Decay launched their new Shadow Palette.

Blurb: What a dream come true! When Disney called to ask if we would design a product for the launch of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, we were like, “Um…. Yes!” The result is this truly amazing (and seriously collectible) Book of Shadows.

Open the palette to reveal a pop-up scene of Alice in the mushroom forest. Her “drink me” bottle discarded, she staggers past towering mushrooms, only to cross paths with a very peculiar, hookah-smoking caterpillar. A large mirror rests behind the scene – you feel as if you are transported into the film itself.

Hidden inside a secret drawer are 16 best-selling Eyeshadows, given topsy-turvy names like White Rabbit, Jabberwocky and Oraculum. Alongside them lie travel sizes of Eyeshadow Primer Potion and two 24/7 Eye Pencils. From smoky neutral eyes to flashes of hallucinogenic green and purple, the looks you can create are as endless as the rabbit hole itself. Anyone who loves Urban Decay, Tim Burton, Disney, or Alice in Wonderland absolutely MUST have this palette. Even the Mad Hatter would say this Book of Shadows delivers it all.

You already know I’m a big fan of UD shadows. Check any of my earlier reviews if you want to know all about the excellent, wearable, long lasting, highly pigmented formulas. In this review, however, I plan to just go on (and on) about how much fun this palette is to play with.

To begin with, the box is gorgeous, fun and has a bit of the UD/Burtonesque edge to it. There's an awesome pop-up scene of Alice among the mushrooms. And like the other "Books," it has the built-in mirror and the cool slide-out drawer.

And the colors! Whoa, Man! There are 16 of UD shadows (with cool Alice-inspired names). My hands down favorite is "Alice." It's an awesome shade of Aqua - kind of like Alice’s dress, but more shimmery (sort of how her dress would look if she had opted for sequins). "Jabberwocky" is another standout. It's a versatile sparkly black that is a dramatic dry shadow and a crazy edgy wet shadow (or liner). The other one I especially loved was "Curiouser" (a sparkly lavender). "Curioser" was great as a creamy wet shadow.

Visit the website for more info. (Also, February's deal of the month is a free Sin Primer Potion sample on orders over $35.) You can also find Urban Decay at Sephora, Ulta, and beauty.com..

Celebrate Valentine's Day all month long! FusionBeauty has resident "sexpert" and sex columnist, Valerie Gibson to answer your questions. Ask your questions and check out the new Sweet To Sexy Kissing Kit (only $49 for the next two weeks).

Woo Hoo (and Bow Chick-A Bow Bow)!

FusionBeauty is celebrating the art of locking lips with their XXX-Rated Guide To Kissing.

Readers can ask their steamiest sex questions to resident “sexpert” and sex columnist Valerie Gibson, get helpful daily beauty tips and learn everything they need to know about kissing.

Cupid or not, we want to make this February the sexiest Valentines yet, so we have created a limited edition Sweet To Sexy Kissing Kit! The Kit contains 5 of our signature products ( LipFusion Dual-ended Lip Plump, LipFusion Color Shine in Sweet & Sexy, and LipFusion Lip Plumping Pencil in Pretty and Glam) only $49 for the next two weeks!.

“The J. Mendel woman for fall is strong and chic, and has an effortless and modern sex appeal…” -Wendy Rowe for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Ultra chic and sophisticated, the makeup for J.Mendel's Fall 2010 Collection is fresh and youthful. Skin is clean and glowing, but cheekbones are pronounced and structured. Eyes are precisely defined with a thin line on outer corners, mixing drama with innocence. A barely there lip completes the look.

"The Brian Reyes girl for fall is modern and sophisticated from head to toe, but she has an edge, which her makeup reflects. She's a very cool girl who is comfortable in her own skin." -Wendy Rowe for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Makeup for the Brian Reyes Fall 2010 collection captures the strength and confidence of the Brian Reyes woman herself. A fresh face showcases a dramatic eye. Top lids are glossed with aubergine and the lower lashline is lined with mint green shadow. Skin is clean and matte, and lips are a youthful pink, allowing the eyes to electrify with modern sophistication.

"The Tibi woman for Fall 2010 is always pretty, but doesn't know it, and didn't try to be. She's a youthful woman with round, soft features, but dramatic eyes. She is disheveled, yet elegant all at the same time..." -Wendy Rowe for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Unaware of the beauty she possesses, the Tibi woman always exudes disheveled elegance in the most unintentional, yet glamorous way. A fresh, dewy face provides the perfect canvas for showcasing a 60s-inspired “cat eye” with winged liner and dramatically defined lashes. A bit of pink blush on the cheek and a nude lip polish off this soft, youthful look that marries pretty with powerful.

Friday, February 19, 2010

For the last few days, I've been having a very enthusiastic email conversation about truth and honesty. I like to think I'm a pretty open person. I like to think that; but I'm not always sure if I actually manage to live up to my ideals. I deeply value honesty and open communication; but sometimes I fall short of the mark by taking the easy way out with a white lie, or something less than full disclosure.

Now I certainly don't think it's always appropriate to be 100% honest and open. There are plenty of things that should be kept to myself only...but there are also times when I place someone else's opinion above being truthful and authentic. Lately, when I've been catching myself at this, I try to remedy the situation by coming clean. Guess what…it's way more embarrassing to "fess up" than it is to tell the truth in the first place.

In the case of beauty, however, I think artifice is 100% perfectly absolutely fine. Actually, it's one of the coolest things about it! Bringing out my best features and downplaying (okay, hiding) the ones I'm not so fond of is a-ok in my book. That said; let's mosey on over to our two products from Cover Girl & Olay designed to help with the "refashioning of perception."

Blurb: Dark circles can make you appear older. Simply Ageless Corrector with advanced Olay Regenerist Serum contains specially blended pigments that can cover even extreme dark circles. Use it together with Simply Ageless Concealer to make under-eye circles virtually disappear, for a younger look.

Last August, I posted a glowing (heh heh) review of a blush from this collection; so I was pretty excited to check out these two items. Happily, I was also impressed by how well both products worked. I used the Concealer under my foundation and got great coverage. Right now I have a little scratch in the corner of my eyelid. It's healing, but it still shows. The Concealer completely hid the scratch and sat well under my foundation. The Corrector was also excellent. It did a fabulous job of hiding the "I woke up in the middle of the night worrying about a bunch of stupid stuff" dark circles. Both items had a nice smooth formula, and both also contain Olay Regenerist Serum for an extra skincare boost.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Blurb: For the 1st time since the launch in 2007, KILIAN has created a set that will allow women and men to discover the entire collection of “L’Oeuvre Noire” at once. “Kilian Collection” features the 8 fragrances packed in an elegant gift box, adorned with the brand signature black tassels on both ends of the box. 8 scents to discover or rediscover KILIAN's unique and luxurious fragrance wardrobe. The “Kilian Collection” set also includes a pump so the wearer can easily insert each scent into their KILIAN refillable 1oz travel spray, if previously purchased.

The first thing I love about this collection is that you can change it up so many ways it will make you dizzy. The scents are designed to be unisex; so you can decide to keep them all to yourself, share with your best friend, Mr. Right, or even Mr. Right Now. I also love that you get all eight fragrances from the collection. One for each mood, situation, event, time of day, day of the week/holiday...

And the actual fragrances!!! They're beautiful, luxurious and a little bit unusual. I liked them all, and three of them were real standouts. "Love, Don't Be Shy" was exotic and spicy, "Back to Black, Aphrodisiac" is down right lovely (the "prettiest" scent of the bunch), and I'm completely smitten with "A Taste of Heaven, Absinthe Verte" – so seductive! It's an amazing treat to have all eight to choose from!

(I'm obligated to tell you that this would make a great gift; but you will have a hard time not keeping it for yourself.)

The website has more details about each fragrance in the L'Oeuvre Noire collection. The fragrances will also be available at Bergdorf Goodman, select Saks, and Saks.com as well as Apothia, Lucky Scent and Aedes de Venustas..

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Did I ever tell you that I live an exciting double life? That's right – I'm an unassuming opera singer/database coordinator by day; but at night I have steamy adventures and go to wild debauched parties where all sorts of unimaginable things occur. The kind of secret life where I have a succession of risky rendezvous that curl my toes and barely leave me any time to learn my music.

What? You don't believe me? Sigh! No one ever believes me. The people at work didn't even believe me when I said that I use swear words (FYI: I really do use swear words…terrible ones…frequently).

Well, despite what people may believe; I do manage to scrape together a fairly decent social life. (Besides friends and fun, it also means extra chances to try out new beauty products.) And talking about my social life is just about the most perfect seamless way to tie-in to today's cool product from Elizabeth Grant.

Bright Lights (AM): Late night last night? No problem. With The Socializer™ Bright Lights you can go straight from owning the bar to owning the boardroom. It’s all the hydrating, cooling, soothing, de-puffing, dark-circle-erasing, illuminating action we could fit into one tiny tube.

Late Nights (PM): From flashing lights to goodnight, The Socializer™ Late Nights is your key to looking like it never happened. It’s your too-much-fun-too-little-sleep remedy; apply before you crash and wake up looking like you slept like a baby.

First – I know I don't usually talk about packaging when it comes to skin care; but this packaging deserves a mention. Because it's adorable and fun...and the little clicker pens are hygienic, convenient and portable. The Late Nights (pm) felt very soothing right before bed. And I noticed some especially nice results with the Bright Lights (am). It was cooling and tingled a tiny bit; and my eyes definitely looked better a few minutes later.

So even if I don't happen to be attending wild parties and having crazy hook-ups; there are times when I do go out, stay up late and get less than my perfect amount of beauty sleep (or sometimes I just stay home and watch TV, and I my allergies act up). And I was really impressed at how well my puffy, dry peepers responded.

Now you must know by now that I'm going to send you off to visit the website, don't you? So, go on then! Otherwise I'll have to start using some of my fiendish swear words..

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

No I didn't disappear, I've just been busy playing catch-up. I had a ton of stuff to do, and much of it got interrupted by a couple of snowstorms (with a small power outage thrown in for good measure).

I can't believe it was only a week ago that I was getting ready to hunker down for our big mid-Atlantic winter weather event! Happily, the streets around here are plowed, the car is dug out, and various chores and errands have all been run. Sadly, I still have not vacuumed, dusted or finished up the dishes; but now I feel a little more confident that they will get done before my guests show up on Saturday.

I don't have a review today. Instead I've posted some of the beauty news that has piled up over the past few days. Now that I'm officially caught up (and dug out); expect a nice review tomorrow!

Take a look at this, will ya? La Prairie is launching something pretty darn awesome…

Luxury Swiss beauty company La Prairie is dedicated to keeping skin as young looking as possible, as long as possible, and that means launching high-performance products to target lines, wrinkles and now, age spots. Introducing White Caviar Illuminating Système, which includes:

This feast for your skin is an innovative three-part system that works to reveal a brighter, clearer complexion, free of future age spots and pigmentation patches. At the heart of White Caviar Illuminating Système is Golden Caviar, sourced from environmentally-regulated farmed sources, combined with clarifying Whitening Complex with Larch Tree Extract, detoxifying Swiss Garden Cress Sprout Extract, Vitamin C and various bio-technology. As a signature La Prairie touch, attention to detail applies not only to the formulas but also the packaging. To that end, White Caviar Illuminating Système is housed in substantial white pearlescent jars with La Prairie's silver caviar beads around the cap.

This white hot system is a must for women of all ages who are looking to fight aging and skin discoloration. On-counters NOW, La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Système is available at Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and www.laprairie.com..

OMG I totally remember fighting over this hair dryer with my sister! Check out the old and the new…

Then & Now: Remington Stays True to its Roots

The retro Remington 700 Super handheld dryer was all the rage in the 70s – along with Farah Fawcett’s sexy feather cut. The modern day version, the Professional by Remington Dryer, is still the best price for the quality. The Professional line, a collaboration between Remington and celebrity stylist Richard Marin, was created so women could achieve celeb-sexy style without breaking the bank. Marin styles Denise Richards’ updated version of Fawcett’s iconic look with Professional by Remington tools – which goes to show, everything old is new again.

Frederic Fekkai Melrose Place Salon invites you to join us for our February events!

Come mingle and enjoy champagne and hor d’oeurves with our Beauty Expert Panel including skin experts from Kate Somerville and P&G Grooming Director Teresa Wheeler. Guests will be invited to an hour panel discussion following with complimentary nail and make-up touch ups and a chance to win a Fekkai makeover and ultimate Kate Somerville Package!

360 Degrees of BeautyThursday February 18, 20106:30pm – 8:30pm

Also, our monthly So Chic So Fekkai event which includes a blowout, polish change and make up touch up for only $75

You don't know how happy I am to post this after another giant bout of snow. We even had a little sprinkle last night. Check out the harbinger of spring!

Introducing THE ART OF SPRING Collection

Spring ushers in a warm, high-spirited bouquet of pretty shades and sultry silhouettes. At the Spring 2010 shows, designers expressed a super-sexy return to elegance with a pop art palette of colors. Body-clinging pieces with flurries of tulle, silk and organza flowed alongside crepe skirts, linen kimonos and shantung gowns in never-ending shades of lilac, rose and cerise.

From the Expert: “When I go to the fashion shows, I don’t just see clothes, I see artistic expression and color,” says Essie Weingarten, founder and president of Essie Cosmetics, Ltd. “Art and fashion go hand in hand, and this season’s collections reminded me of the pop art fashion explosion. My spring color collection is a reflection of that movement.”

Tip From the Expert: For polish to last longer use a base, like First Base Base Coat and top coat, like Good to Go! – the base coat prepares the polish to adhere and the top coat seals in color. Also, wait 2 minutes in between color applications so that the polish can set. A few days later, apply Shine-e to refresh polish to a top shine finish.

The Essie Art of Spring Collection joins the award-winning lineup beginning February 2010 at www.essie.com and fine spas, salons and beauty destinations nationwide..

Thursday, February 11, 2010

However, I didn't get much else accomplished. So instead of a review, I will be doing various productive things like clearing the snow off my car, tidying up and generally getting things back to normal around here!

Hope those of you hit by the storm stayed safe and warm! And I hope you all have a great day today!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Today we are all waiting for the snow again. I know we just did that, but this snow is different. This is weekday snow. Which means…SNOW DAY!!!!!! Woo Hoo!!

Growing up in Southern California, I was tragically deprived of snow days. All we had were "smog alert" days. Not only did they completely suck, but we didn't get to miss any school either. We just had to stay inside during recess and lunch time. Yes it's true. My and poor disadvantaged childhood (cue the tiny violins).

So what does all this have to do with today's product from Jan Marini Skin Research? Well…erm…nothing. That's right. I'm too goofy over the idea of a snow day to come up with even the cheesiest of tie-ins today. So please enjoy the lack of corny segue ways and read all about this lovely cleanser.

Blurb: Gentle Cleansing and Resurfacing for All Skin Types. Jan Marini Skin Research Bioglycolic Facial Cleanser with glycolic acid is a gentle cleanser suitable for all skin types and encourages a soft, smoother and more refined skin texture. This formula is soap-free, nonirritating, and rinses completely without the need for a post-cleansing toner or astringent. Our thorough deep-cleansing product also contains sorbitol, a natural humectant derived from berries, which leaves the skin soft and hydrated. By incorporating glycolic acid as a follicular cleansing agent, the skin is further prepared for other product application.

I have never heard a bad thing about Jan Marini skincare; but I was a little concerned that this cleanser might be too irritating during the Winter months. Well, I needn't have worried. In fact, I'm doing the oppostive of worrying…I'm appreciating this cleanser big time. It does an excellent job of cleaning and removing makeup; and the glycolic acid promotes cell turnover, smaller pores and a smoother complexion. For maximum potency, this is best used on dry skin (you heard me right). What I also loved is that my skin felt smooth, calm and balanced after I rinsed. And over the last couple of weeks, my complexion has been looking fabulous.

If you happen to be snowed in tomorrow, you can spend a bit of time at the website checking out the products and testimonials. You can also check out the Where to Buy page if you don't happen to have a foot of snow outside of your door.

Monday, February 8, 2010

All of us in the Mid-Atlantic region had a whole lot of Winter this weekend. Abundant snow. The cool thing was that I got to do some serious relaxing. I watched TV, read, talked on the phone, crocheted and just generally puttered around. I even got to feel all east coast-ey and dig out my car.

We're supposed to get more snow this week, so I'm taking a short break from Winter and busting out with a little bit of spring color. Don’t' be alarmed…I'm not going full on pastels ahead of time. But since Valentine's Day around the corner and I need a little sparkle, I thought this would be a nice day to enjoy a little pink. So how about some more lovely pink from EstéeLauder?

I know I already reviewed the Love Your Lips Collection, but this lipstick also deserves some serious attention. I love this formula. The finish is sheer and fresh with lots of pretty sparkle. It also has a gorgeous feel - super smooth and mosturizing. It's especially great when the weather is cold and dry. It's also great when I want more than a hint of pretty color, but I'm not in the mood for the full coat of lipstick experience. "Ripe Papaya" is a lovely, versatile pink. It's feminine without being too sweet. It even has a light, pretty scent.

Of course, you can check it out on the website; but if you really want to chase away the winter doldrums, I suggest visiting a nice department store and playing with all the pretty colors there.

Check out the gorgeous new collection from Kilian! Mmmm! Kilian's celebrity clients include Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Salma Hayek, Tom Brady, Dita Von Teese, and Timbaland. This collection of small vials of his unisex scents an awesome Valentine's Day gift. Good for her, good for him…everybody wins!

Launch of “Kilian Collection”

For the 1st time since the launch in 2007, KILIAN has created a set that will allow women and men to discover the entire collection of “L’Oeuvre Noire” at once.

“Kilian Collection” features the 8 fragrances packed in an elegant gift box, adorned with the brand signature black tassels on both ends of the box. 8 scents to discover or rediscover KILIAN's unique and luxurious fragrance wardrobe. The “Kilian Collection” set also includes a pump so the wearer can easily insert each scent into their KILIAN refillable 1oz travel spray, if previously purchased.

Okay, none of us actually needed the U.S. Patent Office to tell us that Juice Beauty's Green Apple Peel is awesome. But they've awarded the patent, so now everything is all tidily, officially and legally awesome. Read on…

Green Apple Peel Patent Awarded Just in Time for Earth Day

Juice Beauty, creators of the innovative organic juice-based Beauty Collection is the Organic Solution. The Company is paving the way in organic beauty with their high efficacy and authentically organic products. The Juice Beauty team is bubbling with excitement over receiving their recent formulations patent (US 7,632,527,B2) on the award winning: Green Apple Peel.

Juice Beauty’s Green Apple Peel has become a favorite of Hollywood celebrities who have their make up artists perform a rejuvenating facial after hard days under the bright lights and heavy make up.

Juice Beauty’s Green Apple Peel zaps both wrinkles and blemishes and although one can see results immediately, long term use will yield dramatic results. Although all of Juice Beauty’s products are 85 – 98% organic (for EVERY Juice Beauty product), the Green Apple Peel really packs a punch.

This Patent Award comes just in time for Earth Day as Juice Beauty is the leader in Eco Commitments ...going beyond “Natural”… as they source all of their ingredients from USDA Certified Organic Farms, they use Recycled cartons and Soy Ink; and they manufacture over 80% of their products using Solar Power.

Key Product Ingredients and Benefits that Result in Less Blemishes AND Wrinkles:

US Retailers that carry the Green Apple Peel include Sephora, Whole Foods, Pharmaca, Beauty.com, Juicebeauty.com and many high end spas and boutiques. International Retailers include: Harvey Nichols, Isetan, David Jones, Seibu, and Robinsons..

Hey, curly girls! Check out JLo's look on the red carpet at the Grammy's!

Hot off the Red Carpet – Curls!

The music industry rocked sultry styles at the 2010 Grammy Awards with sexy, playful curls. According to Ouidad “Nothing is sexier than curls on the red carpet, and with the right products and technique – anyone can create them.”

For easy gorgeous curls a la Jennifer Lopez, Ouidad suggests:

Apply Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Gel and dry hair. Set large rollers on the top of the head and medium on the rest of hair. Remove rollers and softly brush through with a wide natural bristle brush. Run fingers through to separate the tendrils and curls will spring back to life. Finish with Ouidad Clear Control Pomade to define curl waves at the bottom of hair.

Ouidad is available at www.ouidad.com and at certified Ouidad Salons, select Sephora stores and Sephora.com.

Check out the new additions to COVERGIRL's Olay Simply Ageless collection. Then check out the cool online tool (helps you match your favorite department store product to a COVERGIRL product)!

Two new additions to the COVERGIRL and Olay Simply Ageless collection: Simply Ageless Concealer and Simply Ageless Corrector. The Concealer and Corrector work together to visibly brighten the skin under the eyes and hide the look of dark circles.

Online Tool: COVERGIRL launched an online Tool that allows consumers to enter the name, brand and shade of their favorite department store beauty products and then recommends a COVERGIRL match. Women no longer need to compromise their beauty choices with this new tool, they’ll get the looks and quality they love without the department store price!

Last week was the big lead up to Wear Red Day; but some of you redheads were so there already! Read up about Brow Diva's new line just for you…

Listen Up Redheads!

Brow Diva to the rescue with eyebrow products in hues just for you!

True redheads often face challenges when it comes to their brows. Oftentimes it is because their brows are naturally lighter than a blonde even. And without the right products, brows can get lost or look washed out. With so few products on the market to address this hard to match (yet universally coveted) hair color,

Inspired by the gorgeous and timeless Rita Hayworth, “Rita” Brow Base and Brow Powder are specially formulated to meet the needs of all redheads, from light strawberry reds to vibrant coppery reds.

The Brow Base is a wax based product that is a must have for anyone suffering from sparse brows. May be used alone or in conjunction with other Brow Diva products for more intense color. Apply the Brow Base onto the brow using the Duo Brow Brush. Use short light strokes starting closest to the nose, filling in sparse areas and places where new growth is desired. Soften application using the spooly end of the Duo Brow Brush for natural, soft cover.

The Brow Powder is a uniquely formulated powder that offers lasting color with the ease of sheer, soft application. This product is appropriate for all brow types. If you have naturally dense brows, this may be the only product you need. Using the angled end of the Duo Brow Brush, dab brush into powder and blend the powder into the brush by dabbing on the back of your hand. Apply to entire brow area using a light touch and short strokes starting at the base of your brow closest to the nose and blend up and out to naturally enhance your brow shape.

Created by brow sculpting expert, aka “The Brow Diva” Deanna Netti Cahill, the Brow Diva product line consists of all the necessities for making eyebrows look their best. With over 20 years of experience in the brow sculpting industry, Deanna developed a product line that would work for everyone, with a selection of colors that complement different skin tones and shades of hair. In addition to a product line, Deanna opened the Brow Diva studio in Rochester, NY in 2005, the only one of its kind specializing exclusively in women and men’s brow sculpting and grooming. “Eyebrows are one of your most noticeable and important features,” says Deanna. “I love how my customers leave the studio looking automatically refreshed and radiant and now with the product line everyone can feel gorgeous and confident!”.

For those of you longing for a fresh Spring look, take good peek at the new corals from Bobbi Brown!

Cautious about corals? Give us 5 minutes. We’ll make them cool.

Love the color, but worry it’ll look too bright or chalky? Bobbi’s modern formulas and juicy colors take an old-fashioned favorite for a fresh, modern spin.

NEW Cabo Coral Pot Rouge: Bobbi’s purse-friendly Pot Rouge is now available in a new sunny shade of coral. Creamy and easy to blend, pat on lips and cheeks for a beachy pop of color.

Shimmer Bricks: Bobbi’s iconic Shimmer Brick Compacts are hand-made in Italy and have five bars of luxe, pearlized pigment for a shimmering glow. Run the Face Blender Brush across all five bars and lightly dust over cheeks and forehead, or brush on eyes for subtle glimmer. Available in two new shades: Nectar and Pink Quartz.

Metallic Lip Color: Made with a unique combination of high-shine emollients and light-reflective pearls, this formula offers medium coverage with multi-dimensional shimmer. Introducing three new shades: Coral Reef, Coral Glaze, and Calypso Glaze.

Lip Color: Bobbi’s classic lipstick— rich, full coverage with a soft matte finish in two new shades: Cabo Coral and Guava.

Shimmer Lip Gloss: Infused with subtle sparkle, Shimmer Lip Gloss is perfect worn on its own or over your favorite lipstick. Aloe extract soothes, Vitamins C and E offer anti-oxidant protection, and Jojoba and Avocado Oils keep lips soft and moisturized. Available in three new colors: Sunset Beach, Golden Nectar, and Coral Sand..

Friday, February 5, 2010

Today is Go Red for Women Day (also known as National Wear Red Day). I've been doing a little feature (aka: featurette) each day this week to give the day a bit of attention.

Go Red for Women Day was founded by the American Heart Association to promote awareness of heart disease for women. By wearing red today, you're helping to raise awareness about heart disease. You can also check out the Go Red website for more opportunities, events and ideas.

Today's Link: Learn to protect your own heart! Check out the ABC's of Prevention from the American Heart Association.

This is one glamorous, gorgeous lipstick. The color is a rich, deep crimson with a luxurious, satin finish. My lips looked absolutely lavish. (Think warm nights, expensive cocktails, tangos and Antonio Banderas.) This is knock-em-out, dressed-to-kill, femme fatale red. It also has great staying power (femmes fatale need staying power). For something a little different, I also smudged this on my lips with my finger and got a fab I-look-really-hot-in-just-my-jeans lip stain.

This one goes on silky, silky smooth. It feels like it’s hydrating and softening. It's meant to nourish and condition – and it does. It's also exactly the right shade of brick red. It goes on in a thin layer, and it's highly pigmented. The result is smooth, even texture and deep color. It even left plenty of pigment behind after some of the shine had rubbed off – making my lips look slightly stained. Very nice.

These are a great cross between a gloss and stick. The packaging is excellent for keeping in your bag or desk drawer (or even your pocket). "Paramour" is a medium brick red, and "Rendezvous" is a brownish red with a bit of shimmer. Both are highly pigmented. They feel really lovely and soft on the lips and have better than expected staying power.

I am still in hot freaky love with this lipstick - highly pigmented, creamy color that glides on and feel absolutely weightless. And it looks stunning – full coverage lipstick with a lovely sheen. It also lasts like you wouldn't believe - eating, drinking, talking, singing, whatever. And when the lipstick finally does rub off, there's still color left behind on the lips. This is the kind of drop-dead, gorgeous red that could only come from a French company. A warm, deep, velvety shade that flatters almost every skin tone. Sexy, voluptuous and decadent. Sigh!

Just when I thought my obsession for red lipstick had run its course; this one pulled…me…back…in! I can't vouch for each person, but it sure worked for this particular person (aka: me). The color looked a little orangey when it went on; but within a couple of seconds, the shade changed slightly and looked exactly right for my complexion. The formula is smooth, creamy and has a soft shine. It also leaves a gorgeous stain that lasts forever..

so who am i anyway?

(This is me -- bringing my "A" game to kindergarten).......A while back, I re-connected to my inner-beauty junkie and decided to hop on the bandwagon by adding to the fifty gazillion beauty blogs on the web. These days I'm looking for ways to balance creativity, romance, friendships, fashion and sleep. And of course...keeping my eyes open for new ways to feel pretty. If you want to send a note, sample or feedback, contact me at ifeelpretty@comcast.net. I'll gladly respond to your notes and comments, and I'm always happy to check out any product samples and information (I'll only feature products I love, though).

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More information about this site...

#1 Reviews: Since I've gotten several emails asking me why I never seem to dislike anything; I thought I'd put a quick answer here on the site. I try out lots of samples that are sent to me as well as stuff I go out and purchase myself. I decided to only feature products I love - because if I don't love it; I'd rather just get rid of it and move on without having to write about it. I want to have as much fun with this blog as humanly possible and use my time to get all gushy over the really good stuff. So if I don't like something, you'll probably never hear about it.

#2 Disclosure: I just signed on to AdSense (Google’s ad service for bloggers like me), so you’ll be seeing some ads here and there from third-party advertising companies. These companies may use information (not including your name, address, email address, or telephone number) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, click here.

#3 Disclaimer: This blog is intended for entertainment and informative purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, personal and/or consumer advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your personal and medical concerns. The author (aka: me) is not liable for any outcome (good or bad) resulting from information obtained from this site. Quite frankly, I'm pretty sure that you already know what you need more than I ever could; so I'm really only adding this disclaimer thingy to be proactive and cover my bases.